2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ review

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ test drive and review

Chevrolet Sonic LTZ test drive and review. Today we are going to take a look at this small car that seems to be a real best seller recently. Probably even Chevrolet didn't expect that their Sonic will turn into such a success.
In other locations different from North American, Canadian, Mexican, Chilean, Japanese, Israeli, Middle East and South African markets this vehicle is also known as Chevrolet Aveo.
Actually this is the second generation Sonic.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ is a subcompact car that was produced by Chevrolet from 2011 to 2016. The LTZ trim level was the highest available trim level for the Sonic in 2012.

Here are some of the key features of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ:

• Engine: The 2012 Sonic LTZ is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: The Sonic LTZ comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic transmission.
• Fuel economy: The Sonic LTZ gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission, or 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission.
• Exterior features: The Sonic LTZ features 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and chrome exterior accents.
• Interior features: The Sonic LTZ comes with leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a six-speaker premium sound system, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Safety features: The Sonic LTZ includes standard safety features such as antilock brakes, stability control, and ten airbags.

The North American-spec Sonic is available as a 4-door sedan or five-door hatchback. It comes with a 1.8-liter inline-four producing 101 kW (135 hp) and 169 N·m (125 lb·ft) torque, or a 1.4-liter turbo inline-four producing 103 kW (138 hp) and 201 N·m (148 lb·ft) torque. The 1.8-liter engine has a timing belt; the 1.4L turbo engine uses a timing chain to drive the camshafts. 

The 1.8-liter inline-four is mated to a standard five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.4-liter turbo has a six-speed manual transmission.

 On August 2, 2011, the Sonic had entered production at Orion Assembly, with the first cars arriving at dealerships in October.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ review - video

The Chevy Sonic uses a water-based “three-wet” paint process that eliminates the need for a primer bake oven. This process reduces the paint shop footprint by 10 percent and requires 50 percent less process energy per vehicle built.
Chevy is the first automaker in the United States to use this process. It is of note that the Chevrolet Sonic is the only Subcompact car sold in North America that is built within the United States, in Lake Orion, Michigan.

Price - the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic costs around $20,000 (fully equipped) which somewhere in the middle of this car segment. Of course you can choose some of the cheaper version of the Sonic starting from around $15,000.